For luscious, hydrated lips that carry a hint of shine without a sticky finish, lip oils are your makeup kit’s undercover star. Straddling the line between skincare and cosmetics, these silky elixirs combine the nourishing benefits of a balm with the aesthetic appeal of a gloss, delivering a unique product that transcends seasons and trends.
On the functional front, lip oils are packed with an array of lip-loving ingredients—think hydrating oils, antioxidants, and vitamins that get to work to soften, smooth, and rejuvenate your pout. Unlike some traditional lip products that simply sit on the surface, lip oils seep into the lips, providing long-lasting moisture that helps to combat dryness and chapping.
The beauty of lip oils lies in their effortless application. Housed in anything from elegant vials to chic tubes, these oils glide on smoothly with either a brush or roller-ball applicator, delivering a sheer wash of color and a tantalizing gloss that never ventures into the realm of sticky or heavy. And if you’re a little generous with your application, you’ll simply end up with a bit more shine, making it impossible to get it wrong.
In an industry abundant with lip products, each boasting a unique set of attributes and colors, it might seem daunting to find the right fit. But don’t fret—we’ve curated an array of lip oils, critically tested and judged based on their texture, hydration, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. Ahead, we present the crests of the lip oil wave, each carefully chosen to enhance your beauty routine and add a hint of sophistication to your persona.
- Deep lip protection
- Non-sticky texture
- Hydrating formula
Your lips deserve the best, and Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Oil is here to provide it.
It’s infused with cherry oil, which deeply protects and enhances your lips. The natural color finish adapts to all lip colors for a look that’s perfect for you. Plus, the formula has a non-sticky oil texture that creates a smoothing film that shapes your lips so they’re full and luscious.
The 8 shades saturate your lips with nutrients, making them soft, supple, and hydrated—in other words: perfect. It’s light enough to feel like you’re wearing nothing at all but still gives you all the benefits of a pampering lip treatment.
“I really like this lip oil. It’s more of a gloss but moisturizing at the same time,” shared one shopper. “I wear it alone sometimes or ill use it as a topper. When I wear it alone it gives my lips a little bit of a flush color.”
- Bare-lip finish
- Hydrating
- Conditioning
There’s nothing more luxurious than a lip oil—and this one is no exception.
MERIT’s Shade Slick combines the best of nature and science to help you achieve beautiful, healthy-looking lips, with a hint of buildable, saturated color. Rosehip oil and essential fatty acids encourage healthy barrier function, while shea butter and grapeseed oil come together to condition and soften lips.
Plus, jojoba oil offers a cushioned formula for a bare-lip finish that works with your lips’ natural pH and color to create a subtle stain. Whether you’re looking to add some color or hydration to your life, this tinted formula has got you covered!
According to reviews, “I really like this tinted gloss. It’s pretty, not sticky at all, and leaves a pretty natural and pretty color on the lips. I love it for everyday use!”
- Hydrating and plumping
- Gorgeous glossy sheen
- Versatile application
The latest in lip oils is here, and it’s ILIA’s Balmy Gloss.
This product is pretty much everything you could want in a lip oil: it’s packed with plumping hyaluronic acid, which means it contains major moisturizing properties that will leave your lips soft and smooth. It also has a glossy sheen that makes it look like you are wearing just the right amount of lipstick without actually having to wear lipstick.
The best thing about this product is how versatile it is: you can wear it alone or pair it with lipstick for a more dramatic look. Plus, it only takes one swipe to get the job done—you don’t have to worry about overdoing it or getting your lips too greasy.
“The gloss isn’t sticky which I absolutely love. The color is the perfect amount of tint for daily use,” explained one wearer.
- Moisturizing formula
- Antioxidant protection
- Non-sticky shine
Ami Colé’s Lip Treatment Oil was created as an oil-to-gloss treatment that offers treatment benefits, a shiny finish, and color deposit all in one.
Its non-sticky shine can be used with any lip color to add moisture and shine without feeling greasy. This particular product comes in five shades, including rosy brown, light pink, and juicy red.
The formula contains baobab seed oil to moisturize your lips while camellia oil offers long-lasting hydration for healthy-looking lips. The treatment also contains passionfruit seed oil which acts as an antioxidant to protect your lips from free radicals that cause aging.
“This is hands down the best lip oil formula I have ever tried —and I have tried many and am very picky,” wrote one enthusiast. “It is so hydrating, fixed my dry lips and the shine is truly amazing. While I love how it feels on the lips, it might be a bit sticky for some.”
- Subtle natural color
- Moisturizing
- Soft and plump finish
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT’s highly-coveted Glaze Lip Oil is a must-have for anyone who wants to give their lips a soft, plump, and glossy look.
The formula is made with red root oil and jojoba oil, which leave lips soft and moisturized. Then it’s infused with a natural color that gives your lips a soft red tint without being overpowering. It’s even formulated with fermented pomegranate extract, which helps gently exfoliate your lips so they stay flake-free.
But the real star of this product is apple extract—a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C that works to plump the appearance of your lips over time! All in all, this a great option if you’re looking for something effective but budget-friendly.
“The lip oil is stunning, color-wise and the quality is excellent. Stays on, tastes good, and recommend to wear it daily,” revealed one shopper.
- Antioxidant protection
- Natural lip nourishment
- Rich in beneficial oils
Versed is an all-natural lip oil that moisturizes and conditions your lips, leaving them soft and smooth.
The product is a blend of four different oils, including jojoba, camellia, sesame, and sunflower seed. It also contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and helps to smooth chapped lips. The result is a conditioning formula that lasts for hours without being too glossy.
All of these ingredients combine to create a product that looks great on your lips—not glossy or greasy but with just enough sheen to make them look healthy and hydrated. It’s also price-friendly at $10 per tube!
As reviewers state, “he has been an absolute lifesaver! I use it at night after a lip scrub and let this soak in. When I wake up my lips are so hydrated, I barely ever need chapstick during the day now!”
- Hydrating and plumping
- Sheer watercolor effect
- Versatile color range
Kosas’ lip treatment and gloss is a new take on the traditional lip balm and gloss.
With 11 shades ranging from soft pink to blood red, the brand gives you the option to go bold or subtle, depending on your mood. The formula is packed with hydrating active ingredients that visibly plump and protect your lips.
Elsewhere, avocado oil cushions and moisturizes while creating a gel-like barrier between your lips and the environment. Shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and peptides give you long-lasting hydration while keeping your lips looking lusciously kissable.
Plus, this lip treatment has a sheer watercolor effect that can be layered for more color payoff—it’s up to you!
- Lightweight and hydrating
- Cushiony texture
- Maintains suppleness
Looking for the secret to the perfect pout? You’re in luck—you’ve found it with Haus Labs’ PhD Hybrid Lip Oil.
It’s sheer and lightweight, but it still delivers the hydration and non-sticky shine that you need without feeling like you’re wearing anything on your lips at all. The cushiony feel makes it easy to apply and comfortable to wear, so you can put it on before you go out for a night with friends or just pop it on in between classes during your day at school.
What makes this product truly unique is its use of vegan collagen to moisturize and maintain suppleness while prickly pear oil provides barrier-boosting hydration.
You can choose from five colors—pink, orange, and clear—and they’re all vegan and cruelty-free.
“It gives just a hint of color and keeps my lips moist without the stickiness. I am running around all day and this fits nicely in my bag,” stated one shopper. “This is one of my favorite products.”
- Powerful lip treatment
- Addresses dryness and chapping
- Effective lip care
Hourglass’ Lip Treatment Oil is a one-of-a-kind product that combines essential oils, vitamins, and three powerful active ingredients to work on contact to condition lips as well as address dryness and chapping.
The opulent 24-karat gold-plated tip targets the delicate lip area by helping to boost moisture levels. The formula also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with regular use.
If you don’t mind the pricepoint, it’s great for those who want to keep their lips looking youthful and healthy.
- Long-lasting hydration
- Variety of shades and finishes
- Affordable
It’s truly hard to find a more affordable alternative to NYX’s Fat Oil Lip Drip.
The formula is formulated with vegan squalane, which delivers up to 12 hours of hydration and protection. It comes in eight shades—everything from nude to red—and two finishes: high-shine and shimmer.
The high-shine finish is perfect for those who want their lips to look like they’re wearing a light layer of frosted glass. If you prefer something more subtle, the shimmer finish might be more your speed.
How to Choose the Perfect Lip Oil
Moisturizing Ingredients
When it comes to lip oils, the main event is the ingredients that offer hydration and nourishment. Lip oils usually contain a blend of different oils such as jojoba, argan, and coconut that are rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. These elements aid in retaining moisture, keeping your lips soft, and providing a barrier against harsh environmental factors. Some lip oils might even include hyaluronic acid or squalane for an extra moisture boost. Choose a product that packs in these power players to get the best benefits.
Texture and Finish
The beauty of lip oils lies in their ability to provide the nourishment of a balm with the sheen of a gloss. However, nobody likes a sticky situation. Look for a lip oil that promises a non-sticky, lightweight formula that glides smoothly onto your lips. You’ll want a product that offers a glossy but not overly shiny finish for that natural, healthy look.
Shade Range
While lip treatments are not primarily intended to provide color, many do come with a slight tint. This characteristic can add a lovely flush to your lips, enhancing your natural lip color, or even matching your mood or outfit. Some brands offer a range of shades, from subtle nudes to vibrant reds and pinks. If color isn’t your main goal, clear options are also plentiful.
Comfort and Longevity
Lastly, lip oils should provide lasting comfort without the need for constant reapplication. While they might not have the staying power of a lipstick or stain, a good-quality lip oil should offer several hours of hydration. It’s also worth noting the packaging and applicator design – opting for something that’s easy to apply and carry around can make all the difference in your beauty routine. Choose a product that makes your lips feel as good as they look, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again.
